Malicious Code Injection in straight_beetle_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-109164: Malicious code in straight_beetle_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The straight_beetle_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the straight_beetle_z3n package arises from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is intended to pollute the npm registry by continuously republishing variants of the package. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs such tactics to manipulate the npm ecosystem for fraudulent gains.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall straight_beetle_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can temporarily avoid using the straight_beetle_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The straight_beetle_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your open-source dependencies.
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FAQ
The straight_beetle_z3n package is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation and publication of packages.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized changes in your package.json file, potentially compromising your project's integrity and security.
You should remove the straight_beetle_z3n package from your project immediately and monitor for any updates or patches.
Yes, Vulert allows you to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file, providing real-time insights.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
